New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) Former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Satyapal Malik, a distinguished political leader celebrated for his courageous advocacy for farmers and the marginalized, has sadly passed away at the age of 79 on Tuesday following a protracted illness. His departure has created a substantial gap in Indian politics, prompting leaders from various political factions to express their condolences and reflect on his enduring legacy.

Malik took his last breath around 1 P.M. at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, where he had been receiving medical care.

Delhi's Leader of Opposition and former Deputy Chief Minister Atishi also conveyed her sympathies.

“We ask God to provide him a place at His divine feet and to bestow strength upon his family during this challenging time,” she remarked.

K.C. Tyagi, a leader from JD(U), shared a heartfelt tribute.

“This is devastating for me. We spent over 50 years in politics together—serving under the leadership of Charan Singh, during the Emergency, with V.P. Singh, later with Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the NDA, and even during PM Modi's administration. Satyapal Malik was a remarkable orator, an exceptional organizer, and had a profound understanding of social and economic matters,” he stated.

S.T. Hasan, an MP from the Samajwadi Party, also expressed sorrow.

“It’s a heartbreaking day. India has lost one of its most courageous voices—someone who was never afraid to speak the truth. He was a genuine soldier of democracy,” he told IANS.

Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary honored Malik's relentless struggle and service, stating, “He fought not only for himself but for the nation. I pay my respects to him, and I hope today’s youth, along with people from all domains, find inspiration in his journey.”

Chandan Chauhan, MP from Rashtriya Lok Dal, reminisced about Malik’s steadfast dedication to the underprivileged.

“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. He devoted his life to advocating for the poor and voicing the concerns of farmers. To genuinely honor him, we must remember and propagate his policies. The void he leaves is irreplaceable,” he commented.

Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma remarked, “He was a champion of the people, especially farmers. His passing is profoundly saddening. As the former Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, his contributions were monumental.”

Born on July 24, 1946, in Hisawada village of Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, Satyapal Malik obtained a B.Sc. and LL.B from Meerut University before entering public service. His political career started with the Bharatiya Kranti Dal, followed by roles in Janata Dal, Indian National Congress, Lok Dal, Samajwadi Party, and eventually the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

He first rose to political prominence as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1974 to 1977. He subsequently served as a representative of Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha from 1980 to 1989. Malik also held the position of Member of Parliament in the 9th Lok Sabha from Aligarh from 1989 to 1991.

In October 2017, he was appointed Governor of Bihar and briefly held additional responsibilities as Governor of Odisha in 2018. In August 2018, Malik became the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, a position he held until October 2019, overseeing the state during a crucial and historic era, including the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of the state into Union Territories.